April 10, 2011

Joy!

What an amazing day. Today at church I was overcome with feelings of joy and celebration.

Garren has started nodding and shaking his head in the last couple of days. Looking up and down is a thing of the past. His head control gets stronger every day. Last night I told him that I was going to church, and that Mom would be staying home with him. He shook his head "No!" I said "You want Mom to go to church, and you stay here with the nurse?" Again, he shook his head "No!" I started to tear up as I said "You want to go to church?" He nodded emphatically "YES!"

We couldn't wait to get him up and dressed this morning. What a joy it was to be at church as a family. He was very excited to be there, and to see everyone again.

Then, to top off my morning, I had the honor and the privilege of dedicating little Elijah Webb in the service. Seth and Amanda are a special couple. I have watched them grow spiritually for nearly three years now. I've been on two missions trips with them. Elijah was born just a few days after Garren went into the hospital. I got to go visit Seth and Amanda and baby Elijah the day after he was born. I was overjoyed when I found out that they wanted me to dedicate little Elijah today.

Such a day of celebration in so many ways. All praise and glory to God!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Only with GOD could this be possible ... if a family would be willing to follow the LORD. Every day it is more and more obvious how your family has put the LORD first in all you do and say. What a Celebration it must have been for everyone at SB to see Garren and your family in Church today!
Love to You Always, The Cianciosa's

Diann And Mike Harvey said...

We are so glad we got to share in such an amazing day.....from the amazing "overcome" story of one of our fellow Christ followers, to having the entire Jane's family together at church, to the dedication of Elijah, to improvement of Don's mom, and all the other amazing things that God has done today! We are extremely blessed ...Pastor Rob said it best today when he reminded us that "God is all we really need". Thank you Father, for such a blessed day!

Jeffrey Dellapina said...

I'm so happy for the progress that Garren is making. Your posts are just so uplifting and wonderful to read. God is AWESOME! Geoffrey you have been blessed with a wonderful family and I hope only for continued progress and growth.

The Malones said...

So glad to see the whole family at church. We serve a might God. Our prayers continue for Garren and the family. The Malones.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful that God brought so many overcomers to the Overcome service. How great is Our God and how blessed I am to be part of his Southbrook Family. I love you guys xx Carol Taylor

ourlittlelovenest said...

It was purely joyous seeing your lovely blonde haired family all there this morning! :)
~Don+Dee Sullivan

Anonymous said...

So happy to hear of Garren's desire to go to church. One thing I might say after blowing up the picture, people are standing praising the Lord, but are they in Garren's way of vision? Just a thought. Donna Lochridge

tammywingate said...

Praise the Lord!!! what a day!! we are so proud and happy for you all!!! (-:
<>< t

Anonymous said...

I am humbled that Garren was in church today...his choice...talk about miracles....sigh...there are not enough letters to make the right words to praise our God for what He has done, and will continue to do....I am truly awed...love and prayers, Sandy & Russ

LolaandStan said...

Just wanted to let you know that we're still praying too. Blessings,
Steve, Lori and Amy
Vancouver, BC

Patrick, Becky, Emily & Katie said...

We are so trilled for you!! Praise God!! We will keep praying that he will continue to make huge progress!
Love, The Moores

Anonymous said...

Wow! We are rejoicing with you! What a blessing to hear about this, and to learn of Garren's enthusiasm to go to church, his hunger to hear the Word and be with believers.

So glad you shared the photo, too.

The Randolphs

Anonymous said...

That is so awesome - not only that he was able, but he WANTED to... It would be so easy for him to get frustrated and angry (which I'm sure he goes through at times), but for him to still realize that God is good and for him to want to join in worship is just an awesome testimony to his faith and his heart.

This HAS to strengthen anyone's faith who is watching this journey...

Bob

wendypoovey said...

This is truly wonderful. Praise God! What is most amazing is Garren wanted to be at church. Your family is truly blessed.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is the most beautiful thing to read. We're so thankful for the good Lord giving Garren strength and leading him to church today. What an incredible, amazing blessing. Go Garren! Go God! In for the long haul, The Sisk Family

Kitty @ Four Toms and a Mom said...

The feelings of joy don't get better than this, but the blessings will continue to get better and better. We love being part of this story of God's glory unfolding before our church!

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you as a family to be at church on Sunday. I was so blessed & humbled to be able to lead the Youth on Sunday. Our special guest was Garren. Week by week we have prayed from him & to have him sitting in the midst of us was totally the most awesome thing God has brought to our Youth group since his collapse in February. God is the Good. Love ya'll Kathleen Colpaert